Seminar #2
Title: The Psychology of Everyday Actions
Week of Jan. 27 2025
Introduction
This topic deals with some of the basic principles of problem
solving. Some of the traps and pitfalls we experience in our
environment and in our faulty reasoning perpetuate improper
response. In order to overcome these situations we must be aware of
the design we propose for objects and be conscious of the messages
design sends to the users.
Summary
Norman makes a good case for the need to be aware of our own state
of mental models as we interact with the environment. Learned Helplessness and Taught Helplessness are two examples of how
our state of mind can hinder the usage of objects. Other situations
arise when the design of the object imposes artificial Gulfs or a mismatch between user and
object. Norman goes onto state that the 7
stages of action outline the process, in which a user must
go through, to complete intended goals. He then goes onto propose we
ask 7 basic design questions which target the 7 stages of action.
These would then address the problems we find in everyday design.
Which State is this system in?
Objective
Be prepared to discuss some case studies regarding the design of
objects and the errors which arose with the interaction, based on
the readings. Come prepared with your own cases which will be used
as discussion topics for the seminar group. How do the readings
relate to the design of an object or artifact? Can Norman's
discussion on the topics covered in the reading help resolve or at
least identify why errors were made? If you were to address each of
the 7 stages of action with relation to the design, could problems
within the design be avoided.
Readings
Chapter two "The Psychology of
Everyday Actions" of Donald A. Norman's "The Design of Everyday Things".
Seminar Preparation 
As a discussion topic try to identify a software artifact which you
interact with on a regular basis. The interaction is the result of
forming intentions to accomplish goals. Using the
reading as support for your argument, discuss the pitfalls in the
design. How can one "use the seven stages to
ask design questions", Figure 2.7, to improve the
artifact? Will a simple redesign satisfy the criteria
expressed in the Gulf of Execution and the Gulf of Evaluation? Be
sure to suggest improvements if warranted.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What are the Gulfs?
- Describe the cognitive cycle when one interacts with an
artifact.
- Describe Taught Helplessness.
- Describe Learned Helplessness.
- Why do we blame the wrong cause?
Group Activity
There will be a group activity, can't tell you, it's a secret.
Marking
Marks will be awarded for presentation, preparation and
participation in the discussion which exhibit emulsion into the
subject matter. Students who do not come prepared can expect a low
participation mark.